We’ve heard the stories: A man leaves his wife of many years for a woman he has met at work—disorienting and disillusioning his family.
A woman turns from her husband, opting for the man she connected with online, leaving her family heartbroken and bewildered.
A couple, longtime pillars of their local church, suddenly bolt to join a new fellowship that just opened its doors—prompting their home church of many years to wonder what went wrong.
A family is ripped from its community—their friends, their schools, their church—when an unexpected job change demands relocation.
What these stories have in common is displacement and disruption. And circumstances like these can easily and understandably lead to discontentment. We’re troubled with the way our stories have unfolded, unhappy with the life we know. Things weren’t supposed to be this way. . .
The apostle Paul had every reason to be discontent. He endured shipwrecks, beatings, whippings, being stoned, going without food and drink, being betrayed and being cold and sleepless (2 Corinthians 11:22-27). And undoubtedly he did struggle with discontentment. But the apostle wrote, “I have learned how to be content with whatever I have” (Philippians 4:11). With God’s help, this is something we can develop by treasuring our good gifts no matter the circumstances.
Even in our most difficult times, we can find things to be thankful for—God’s comfort, for instance. It takes practice to think about what is pure and lovely when confronted with corruption and ugliness.
Because of what God has provided, we can be content with the good in our hard situations. May we rest in Him as we pray for His kingdom to come (Matthew 6:10).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Luke 24:44-53
More:
Read Philippians 4:8. What are some of the good and lovely things in your life? Can you give thanks to God for them today?
Next:
How did Jesus live out contentment even as He faced the harsh actions of others? What must change for you to be more content?
Gary Shultz on October 4, 2015 at 6:44 am
I think at one time or another the “things weren’t supposed to be this way” has crushed us all, our dreams or our expectations. That ‘s where the trouble starts, ours, me, mine, I, to dream and the pursuit of happiness. As Christians, at least I often forget what Paul said about knowing Christ, the power of His resurrection and to participate in His sufferings to become like Him in His death. Oh boy, I thought I got this pursuit of happiness thing ticket. Well, the reality is happiness was not something Christ promised in this world. I have to continue to remind myself of that. We were called to follow a much higher path than happiness, a much more learning conforming path, that leads us to become like Christ. Thanks for the tweak.
agapito_rjr@hotmail.com on October 4, 2015 at 11:16 am
Many times I was living selfishly thinking that I deserved better for all me efforts but, with reading Our Daily Bread and learning my place I believe I’ve learned. I became greatful for what I have and God helped me understand that that is my reward and the rewards keep getting better the more greatful I am. I will trust God and give Him my love and attention and not live by my own knowing or selfishness. As I thought I needed better He took things away and that hurt but now I know, “I have everything I need”. I need to humble myself and love every person that I meet on my journey so that they can love God for His greatness as well. We are Gods’ miracles, Amen.
BearPair on October 4, 2015 at 6:09 pm
Good reminder Marlena! Thanks!
believerofchrist77 on October 4, 2015 at 9:57 pm
I have felt displaced when I was without Christ in my life for the longest time, and I finally found my place with him again. Praise the Lord and glory in the highest. May God Bless everyone of you here.